Today in Soap Opera History (September 19)

"In history, a great volume is unrolled for our instruction, drawing the materials of future wisdom from the past errors and infirmities of mankind."
― Edmund Burke

"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.

1979: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, Nancy (Helen Wagner) received a phone call from Ellen telling her that Dan Stewart had died. The episode transitioned to the next day when David (Henderson Forsythe), Ellen (Patricia Bruder), Kim (Kathryn Hays), Betsy (Suzanne Davidson) and Andy (Jason Ferguson) returned home from Wisconsin. Kim asked Bob (Don Hastings) to be a pallbearer.

1980: On ANOTHER WORLD, crooks Danny and Sue found a barely alive Mitch (William Gray Espy) in the camper.

1984: On DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Eugene (John de Lancie) told Bo (Peter Reckell) that he had a vibe about an airplane crash.

1988: On GUIDING LIGHT, Harley (Beth Ehlers) fantasized about the good life.

1989: On AS THE WORLD TURNS, the state attorney decided Paul's (Andrew Kavovit) case would go before the grand jury.

1990: On THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, Nikki's (Melody Thomas Scott) doctor told her she was pregnant.

2002: On PASSIONS, Theresa (Lindsay Hartley) told Gwen (Natalie Zea) she was too stupid to realize that Ethan was hers.

2006: Actress Elizabeth Allen died at age 77. Soap opera fans remember her fondly for her portrayal of Victoria Bellman in TEXAS, a role she originated on ANOTHER WORLD before the spinoff series premiered on August 4, 1980. Allen also played Dr. Gwen Harding on GUIDING LIGHT.

Was in NYC over Labor Day, and I visited the Paley Center. They have awesome ATWT episodes (all digital) you can view with a $25 Scholar's Pass (Day pass) - I watched the incredible 1966 episode where Ellen (Pat Bruder) strikes her housekeeper (Franny Brennan) murdering her; and a great 1975 color episode with Bob, Nancy, David Stewart & Susan Stewart where Susan is trying get reinstated at the hospital after an alcoholic dismissal, and where Nancy is scolding Bob about his wife Jennifer's decision to go back to school when "she should be at home tending to Franny". I also watch some 1967 & 68 episodes where the focus was on Lisa, Claire Lowell (Ellen's Mom) and Michael Shea. Great moments.